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Chelsea are looking to get rid of upto three center backs in the window as they eye Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen and former academy star Marc Guehi.
Chelsea’s ambition to bolster their defence this summer continues to dominate headlines, with serious interest in two high-profile centre-backs: Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s on-loan Juventus prospect Dean Huijsen.
Although the Blues already boast a bloated centre-back department, the £50million release clause in Huijsen’s deal and Guehi’s familiarity with the club’s culture make both targets incredibly appealing according to The Athletic.
However, such arrivals would certainly have consequences. With up to 11 central defenders potentially on the books for 2025-26, exits will be inevitable.
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Here’s a breakdown of three centre-backs who could be shown the door if Chelsea decide to go all-in on Guehi and Huijsen — plus a quick analysis of what the two potential signings bring to the table.
1.Trevor Chalobah
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Having come through Chelsea’s academy ranks, Chalobah has long been a versatile option across the backline. But the writing appears to be on the wall.
The club actively tried to sell him last summer, only for a late injury to Wesley Fofana to prompt a mid-season recall from Crystal Palace. With 27 appearances this campaign across both clubs, his market value is stable, and at 26, Chalobah will want consistent first-team football at a top club — something Chelsea are increasingly unlikely to guarantee.
Should Guehi and Huijsen arrive, Chalobah would fall further down the pecking order, making a permanent summer departure highly probable.
2. Renato Veiga
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Despite a promising spell on loan at Juventus, Veiga’s Chelsea future remains uncertain. Signed from Basel for €14million last July, the 21-year-old has had to deal with playing out of position and a lack of regular Premier League action.
His development since moving to Italy has reignited interest from top clubs, and Chelsea are open to selling, especially with Levi Colwill locking down the left-centre-back role. Veiga’s growing value offers an opportunity for the club to turn a quick profit — something Chelsea’s financial model thrives on.
In the event of more defensive reinforcements, Veiga is one of the most likely to be sacrificed.
3. Axel Disasi
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Signed with high expectations, Disasi has yet to truly convince in a Chelsea shirt. After being loaned out to Aston Villa in February, it was made clear that the Frenchman was not part of the club’s long-term plans.
The loan deal did not include an option to buy, but Chelsea committed to working with his representatives to facilitate a permanent move this summer. Given his current standing in the squad and the interest in younger, more dynamic options like Huijsen, a clean break is best for all parties.
Why are Chelsea eyeing Marc Guehi return?
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Re-signing Guehi would mark a homecoming of sorts. Let go too soon, the England international has flourished at Crystal Palace, becoming one of the most dependable defenders in the Premier League.
Guehi offers excellent positional awareness, clean distribution under pressure, and a calmness that Chelsea often lack at the back. At 23, he also brings maturity and leadership, not to mention Premier League and international experience, which would be invaluable for a team aiming to rebuild its defensive identity.
Dean Huijsen
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Still only 20, Huijsen is drawing attention from top clubs thanks to his mature displays during his loan spell at Bournemouth. The towering Dutch-born centre-back has impressed with his composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and anticipation.
Possessing a £50million release clause, Huijsen is regarded as one of Europe’s finest defensive prospects. Importantly, he’s not just a long-term project — he’s already Premier League-proven.
Bringing in Huijsen would signal a shift towards a more forward-thinking, ball-playing backline, especially under a tactician like Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea can’t keep stockpiling centre-backs without trimming the fat. Should they land both Marc Guehi and Dean Huijsen, expect to see Chalobah, Veiga, and Disasi among the first names out the door.
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